Use BUGS to Beat High Blood Pressure?!?
By
Natalie Moore
Posted February 14, 2017
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
Valentine’s Day is all about the heart.
But it’s also about candies, cookies and other confections…
And unfortunately, these sugary treats can break your heart — literally.
You see, sweets like these can lead to high blood pressure, which can put you on the fast track for a heart attack or stroke.
But research has just found a dead-simple way to help get your blood pressure back under control. And it involves some simple foods you can easily incorporate into tonight’s Valentine’s Day dinner.
The secret to lower blood pressure starts with the bacteria or “bugs” in your gut.
The healthier your gut bacteria, the better your blood pressure numbers – simple as that.
For a recent study, scientists took a group of rats and gave them antibiotics to kill off the healthy bacteria in their guts (which they do, by the way).
They then transported some of that gut bacteria (or what was left of it) into a group of healthy mice.
And guess what happened? The normal, healthy mice ended up with high blood pressure.
Just being exposed to unhealthy, out-of-balance gut bacteria was enough to affect their blood pressure and put their hearts at risk.
And the same goes for you, too. Because this isn’t the first time science has seen an important link between gut health and blood pressure.
A recent meta-analysis of nine randomized clinical trials shows that folks who eat probiotic (good gut bugs) saw a remarkable reduction in blood pressure.
Luckily, it’s easy to add probiotics to your diet — just eat fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha.
If these pungent foods aren’t for you, no problem.
You can get probiotic supplements at your local pharmacy. Be sure to pick up one with multiple strains of bacteria if you really want to boost your heart health for Valentine’s Day and every day after.
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Sources
[1] Unhealthy gut microbes a cause of hypertension, researchers find
Written By Natalie Moore
Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.
View More Free Articles
Could Common Bacteria DOUBLE Your Stroke Risk?
Here’s something to chew on… Scientists discovered a tiny troublemaker living in our mouths and guts that could set us up for a devastating stroke. And the kicker? It’s probably in your mouth RIGHT NOW. Japanese researchers have uncovered a disturbing link between the common bacteria Streptococcus anginosus and stroke risk. This microscopic menace, which...
Sweet Treat’s SINISTER Cancer Connection
I’ve sounded the alarm about the dangers of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) for years. And I’ve warned Living Well Daily readers that this sweet treat could lead to liver damage, and has even been linked to anxiety and aggression. Now, new research reveals this common sweetener could be doing something even more sinister than we...
“Forever Young” Hack Promotes Healthy Aging
We all have that one friend who is aging more gracefully than the rest of us. Ever wonder why? Well, scientists say they may have uncovered the answer—or at least one of them. And it’s all about unique proteins in our cells called selenoproteins. A fascinating study from Japan reveals how these proteins are essential...
Do You NEED a Multivitamin? 7 Signs to Look For
Have you ever wondered if you really need that daily multivitamin? You’re not alone. Many people skip their vitamins, thinking a balanced diet provides everything they need. While it’s true that whole foods should be your primary source of nutrients, even the most careful eaters sometimes fall short. Think of a multivitamin as a nutritional...
“Flip the Switch” to Slash Blood Clot Risk 80%!
The statistics are grim. Up to 900,000 Americans experience a blood clot (venous thromboembolism) yearly. Tragically, 60,000 to 100,000 of those folks will die as a result. As we age, our risk rises, doubling every 10 years after age 40. But what if preventing these deadly blood clots could be as simple as flipping a...
Mailbag: Break Through a Blood Pressure Plateau
“My high blood pressure is not going down despite eating a healthy diet, not taking any drugs, and no alcohol or smoking! Also, I donate blood, and I’m retired with very little stress.” -Puzzled Hi Puzzled, I get it. It’s particularly puzzling when you’re doing “everything right” to support good heart health and you still...
Late-Night Eating WRECKING Your Health?
Think a midnight snack is harmless? Think again. A groundbreaking new study reveals that eating after 9 PM could be setting you up for serious health troubles—from expanding your waistline to sending your cholesterol soaring. And men should pay extra attention because you could be at even GREATER risk. Let me explain… We’ve known for...
The BEST Time to Drink Coffee for Your Heart [STUDY]
That first cup of coffee in the morning isn’t just about waking up anymore… New research suggests that the TIMING of your daily brew could also make a big difference in protecting your heart health. And if you’re sipping coffee throughout the day, you might want to rethink that habit. Here’s why… A groundbreaking study...
A HOT Secret to Better Health (No Gym Needed!)
Looking for a way to boost your health without hitting the gym? Well, there’s an ancient practice that might offer the perfect solution—giving you similar benefits to exercise while sitting back and relaxing. And while not everyone has access to this therapy, it can be a life changer if you do. Swedish scientists, collaborating with...
Could Your Dinner Be Harming Your Brain? (Serious Risk!)
Most of us think about food in terms of flavor, satisfaction, and, occasionally, our waistlines. But new research suggests what’s on your plate could have serious long-term consequences—especially for your brain. A study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston found that eating processed meats, like hot dogs, bacon, and sausages, is linked to an...